Cholesterol levels are the numbers used to classify blood cholesterol. Researchers have established healthy levels for each type of cholesterol. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4500 Knowing cholesterol levels is important in maintaining a healthy heart. Having the wrong cholesterol number in a higher level can contribute to cardiovascular disease.

When considering whether cholesterol levels are high, it is necessary to to know the different categories of cholesterol. Each has a normal level which should be maintained to insure the best health levels. Cholesterol levels are defined as low density lipoproteins (LDLs), high density lipoproteins (HDLs), triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels.http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/understanding-numbers In the United States, these levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. Each of these are discussed in further detail on this guide page. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol-levels/CL00001

HDL lipoproteins are the good lipoproteins. They pick up excess cholesterol in the blood and dispose of it. This level is the one which may need to be increased to have a normal total cholesterol level. Higher HDL levels levels helps to lower the LDL levels. HDL also can provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatories and improve anti-clotting factors.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hdl-cholesterol/CL00030

HDL levels are considered normal at or above 60 mg/dL. For men, when this level dips below 40 the person is classified as high risk. For women, the high risk classification begins when the HDL level is at 50 mg/dl. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hdl-cholesterol/CL00030

LDL is the cholesterol which is known as the bad cholesterol. If LDL cholesterol levels are to high, the lipoproteins can build up on the walls of your arteries. This increases the chances of having heart disease. Reducing LDL numbers can improve health. LDL levels less than 100 are the best with results between 100 and 129 remaining in the range of normal. LDL levels of 130-159 are borderline high and are considered reason to take action to lower the numbers before medication is required. Levels over 160 may result in the need for prescription medication to prevent heart damage. For people who have other health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure it is recommended that LDL numbers be held below 100. http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/understanding-numbers

Triglycerides are forms of fat which may be at high levels in spite of other cholesterol levels being normal. Triglyceride levels may be high due to an individual being overweight or physically inactivity. The levels can be increased by smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Individuals on a high carbohydrate diet may see triglyceride levels rise. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=183

• Triglyceride levels are as follows:http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/understanding-numbers
• Less than 150 Normal
• 150 - 199 Borderline high
• 200 - 499 High
• 500 or higher Very high

Total blood cholesterol is the number which defines the combination of the cholesterol components LDL ,HDL, and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein), VLDL are the lipids which carry triglycerides. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/healthy_living/cholesterol/hic_what_do_cholesterol_numbers_mean.aspx The American Heart Association defines the desirable total cholesterol level to be less than 200 mg/dl.The association advises if total cholesterol levels are in this range level should be checked every five years.http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=183

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.